Chelsea set to agree £35m deal for 26-year-old playmaker

Chelsea have opened talks with Ligue 1 outfits, Nice over a deal for Jean Michael Seri, according to reports in France.

The 26-year-old versatile midfielder has been linked with several of Europe’s top teams including Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

The Ivory Coast international who has been valued at €40 million (£35m) could be on his way out from Nice, according to L’Equipe reports.

Defending Premier League champions have made the first move to sign the Ivorian midfielder.

The report claims that the Blues have held initial talks with Ligue 1 outfits about a deal for Seri, however, the Premier League champions face a tough competition to secure his services.

Last month, reports suggested that 26-year-old midfielder is on Manchester United’s shortlist as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick who has expected to retire from football after the season ends.

The Catalan giants also tried to sign Seri last season and could reignite their interest at the end of the current campaign.

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on to sign another Ligue 1 midfielder Fabinho who is ready to leave the club at the end of the current campaign.